Circuit-controlling mechanism



April 22, 1930. K. DAVIS 1,755,431

CIRCUIT CONTROLLING MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Nov. 2, 1921 Z 74 5a 52 I 49 42 INVENTIOR April 22, 1930. K. DAVIS CIRCUIT CONTROLLING MECHANISM Original Filed Nov. 2, 1921 2 SheetsSheet 2 mayo/ 6 gEVVENTOR.

AT ORNEY.

Original application filed November 2, 1921, Serial No. 512,396. Divided and this Serial No. 541,122.

H 4 to 7, but shows it in one of Patented Apr. 22, 1930 UNITED STATES ATENT orris KENNETH DAVIS, OF ST. BENEDICT, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO REMBRANDT PEALE, OF ST. BENEDICT, PENNSYLVANIA,- W. SANDERS DAVIES OF NEW YORK, N. Y., AND WILLIAM S. WALLACE,

PENNSYLVANIA, TRUSTEES CIRCUIT-CONTROLLING MECHANISM The invention relates to a novel manuallyoperated selective control for a plurality of cooperating electrical circuits, and in certain of its features the invention relates to the ap- 1 plication of such a control to directing the movements of an automotive machine, and more particularly in certain features to controlling the movements of such a machine from a distant, and if desired a fixed, station.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part hereinafter and in part will be obvious herefrom, or may be learned by practice with the invention, the same being realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Of thedrawings z- Fig. 1 is a top plan of a mechanism embodying certain features of the invention, the drawing being partially diagrammatic;

Fig. 2 is an elevation looking at Fig. 1 from the adjacent side, but with certain parts in vertical longitudinal section;

Fig. 8 is a section, on an taken on line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan, on an enlarged scale, of the right-hand circuit controlling device of Fig. 1 showing the device in one of the circuit closing positions;

Fig. 5 shows the same mechanism as Fig. 4, but in one of the other circuit closing'positions;

Fig. 6 shows the same mechanism as Figs. 4 and 5, but in another circuit closing position;

Fig. 7 is similar to Figs. 4, 5 and 6, but shows the mechanism in a yet different circuit closing position; 7

Fig. 8 shows the same mechanism as Figs.

the four posienlarged scale,

tions for closing a single circuit; and

application filed March Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view of an automotive machine and a part of the controlling means therefor, and connects with Figs. 1 and 2. v a

This application is a division of my copending application Ser. No. 512,396, filed November 2, 1921.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is shown applied as a distant control for an automotive machine the same as, or substantially similar to, the machine and distance control shown and describedin my copending application Ser. N 0. 445,701, filed Feb. 17, 1921. While the invention finds one of its important and valuable applications in connection with the machine of my said application, it will be understood that it will have other applications elsewhere as a selective circuit controlling device.

The traction means for the automotive machine of my said application Ser. N 0. 445,701, comprises traction devices located at either side of the machine and operable independently of each other, that is, the traction means on either side of the machine may be driven either forwardly or backwardly simultaneously, or one may be driven forwardly and the other backwardly simultaneously, or either one may be driven either forwardly or backwardly while the other is at rest. The selective independent operation of the traction means in the different ways just described in the machine of my said application is controlled by electro-magnetic devices, and according to one feature of the invention these electro-magn'etic devices are selectively energized and ole-energized from a distant station, which usually does not travel with the automotive machine. 7

By the present invention a single manually operated circuit-controlling device is pro vided wherein by a single handle the ope ator can control the two or more traction devices on either side of the automotive machine in all the different ways just described, so as to handle the machine in the desired manner and in the desired area or space. In addition, the control and the circuits are so constructed and arranged that no combina- Cir tion of circuits can be made which would be conflicting or harmful either to the controlling device or in the automotive machine. In other words, the device is foolproof.

A circuit-controlling device is also shown for controlling the operation of the shovel and of the shovel pusher mechanism of the loading machine, and while this mechanism will not be described in detail, it will serve to illustrate and explain one application of the invention.

The circuit-controlling device itself is capacitated to control, by a single handle, having a plurality of movements and a combination of n'iovements, whereby a plurality of circuit terminals may be selectively connected in pairs or singly; that is, a particular terminal may be connected selectively with one of two or more other terminals to make .liiferent circuits to effect different functions. Furthermore, and more in detail, one circuit terminal is connected with the manually operated device, and this terminal is, at the option. of the operator, selectively connected simultaneously either with one or with a plurality of other terminals, such other terminals being nations as desired to effect various desired functions.

Other features of the invention will be first set forth in connection with the detailed description following; and it will be understood that the preceding description as well as the following description, are illustrative and explanatory of the invention, but are not restrictive thereof.

Referring now in detail to the circuit controlling mechanism, and describing first one of the mechanisms or units (as they both are or may be identical), the controlling device is shown with five circuit terminals, one terminal being positive and the other four terminals being negative, or vice versa. The positive terminal, asshown, may be connected with any selected two of the negative terminals, or with any selected one of the negative terminals, at any one time to effect any desired function in the controlled machine or mechanism.

As embodied, a handle 1 of any suitable insulating material is mounted to have a plurality of circuit-controlling motions, and preferably to have motion both about two axes, and further preferably, about an axis internal to itself and an axis external to itself, and it can be moved about these axes either independently or concurrently. The handle 1 has the shaft 2 thereof internally longitudinally hollowed to receive a supporting pin 3, which pin has a hub 1, loosely journaled on a shaft or rod 5.

To prevent the handle being displaced, a set-screw or pin 7 may be inserted in the pin or support 3, and project into a slot 9 in the handle 1. The handle is preferably resiliso connected in different combi-- ently seated or supported, and there is shown for this purpose a spring 8, in compression between the bottom of the handle and the hub 4.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the rod is electrically connected to the operating electrical circuit (Fig. 1), and is preferably in the positive side of the circuit, the various arms of the switch opening and closing devices which are mounted to swing on the rod 5 being in electrical connection therewith and receiving current therefrom.

Loosely at one side of the hub 1, is a circuit-closing and breaking member, having a hub 12 loosely mounted on the rod 5, and electrically connected thereto, having an arm 13 extending upwardly from the hub 12. The arm 13 is provided at one side with a circuit-closing blade 1 1, and with similar blade 15 on the opposite side, which blades may operate with cooperating terminals similarly to the blade of an ordinary knife switch. A weight 16 is preferably provided dependent from the hub 12, which operates to restore the arm 13 to neutral or open-circuit position.

On the opposite side of the handle mechanism 1 is a similar circuit-controlling device, comprising a hub 17 loosely mounted on, and electrically connected to, the rod 5, with an arm 18 extending therefrom. The arm 18 is provided on one side with a circuit closing blade 19 and witl a like circuit closing blade 20 on the opposite side. A weight 21 is also preferably fixed to the hub 17 similar to the weight 16.

Cooperating with switch blade 1 1 is a circuit terminal 28, and cooperating with the switch blade 15 is a circuit terminal 29, and in like manner a circuit terminal cooperates with switch blade 19, and a circuit terminal 31 cooperates with the switch blade 20.

In the embodied form of means for simultaneously and selectively operating all the circuit terminals just described, the handle 1 is formed at the lower part thereof into a laterally-extending plate 32. Plate 32 has at one end thereof a fork or yoke 33, which straddles the arm 13 loosely or freely, and ms at the other end thereof a fork or yoke 34:, which straddles the arm 18 in like manner.

The manner of operation of the mechanism just described is substantially as follows:

In Fig. 1 the handles 1 and are in the neutral, or all circuits-open position, and taking for example the left-hand. mechanism in that figure, if the operator grasps the handle 1 and rocks it upwardly in Fig. 1 which would be to the left in Fig. 3, it woulr pass to the position shown in Fig. 4. Thu would cause the simultaneous closing of twc of the circuits, one at the terminal 30 and the other at the terminal 28.

mounted on the rod or shaft 5,

Ifthe handle 1 be rocked downwardly in Fig. 1, which would be to the right in Fig. 3, the mechanism will be brought to the position shown in Fig. 5, and two of the circuits would be made, one at the terminal 31 and the other at the terminal 29.

If the mechanism be considered again as in the position of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, all the circuits would be open. If the handle 1 be turned in a clock-wise direction, the mechanism would pass to the position shown in Fig. 6, and two of the circuits would be made, one at the terminal and the other at the terminal 29. That is, a pair of circuits would again be made, but it would be a different pair of circuits from that made in either of the two.

movements precedingly described.

If the mechamsm be again considered as in the position of Figs. 1 and 3, with all the circuits open, and the handle 1 be turned in counter clock-wise direction, the mechanism will be brought to the position shown in One circuit will be made at the terminal 31 and another circuit will be made at the terminal 28, and it will be noted that this again makes two of the circuits simultaneously in a different combination or pair than any of those preceding.

The word pair as applied to the circuits has the significance of circuits which may be simultaneously closed to effect harmonious or desired concurrent functions or operations in the controlling machine.

To connect the positive terminal with any selected one of the four negative terminals, while leaving the other three negative terminals dead or disconnected, a partial twisting movement is given to the handle 1 in either a clock-wise or counter clock-wise direction, and then the handle 1 is rocked about the shaft 5, and this will bring the mechanism to the position shown in Fig. 8, wherein one circuit is made, at the terminal 20, while all the other circuits remain open.

In the application of the invention shown in the drawing, the circuits are taken as arranged in the same order as in my copending application Ser. N 0. 445,701, already referred to.

The right-hand controlling mechanism shown in Fig. lhas been'chosen accordingly to represent the circuits for controlling t 1e traction means on the automotive machine. The terminal 29 connects by a wire 40 and a brush 41 with a 42 on a cylinder 43, which cylinder is journaled in bearings in the end pieces 44 and 45 of the frame 46. In lilre manner the terminal 28 connects by a wire 47 and a brush48 with a ring 49 on the cylinder The terminal 31 connects by wire 50 and a brush 51 with a ring 52 on'cylinder 43, and terminal 30 connects by a wire 54 and a brush 55 with a ring 56 on cylinder 43. The rings,

7 of course, are insulated from the cylinder in the usual manner.

The right-hand circuit controlling mecha- IllSIIl shown in Fig. 1 is taken, for example, as the control for the shovel mechanism, in conformity with said copending application. This circuit-controlling mechanism may be the same in structure as that just described, having a handle 60 with yokes 61 and 61, embracing, respectively, arms 62 and 63, journaled loosely at either side of handle 60 on, and being electrically connected to, the rod 5. Arm 62 has a switch blade 64 cooperating with circuit terminal 65, and a switch blade 66 cooperating with a circuit terminal 67. The arm 63 has a switch blace 68 cooperating with a circuit terminal 69, and a switch blade 70 cooperating with a circuit terminal 71.

The terminal 71 connects by a wire 7 2 and a brush 7 3 with a ring 7 4 on cylinder 43, and terminal 69 connects by a wire 75 and a brush 76 with a ring 77 on cylinder 43. In like manner, terminal 67 connects by a wire 80 and a brush 81 with a ring 82 on cylinder 43, and terminal 65 connects by a wire 83 and a brush. 84 with a ring 85 on the cylinder 43. The wire 86 represents the power circuit with a starting box 87 or like device, the rod 5 receiving its current through a wire 88, and a wire 89 and brush 90 contacting with a ring 91 to convey current to the motor of the automotive machine.

The various circuits form the rings 42, 49, 52, 56, 74, 77, 82, 85 and 91 pass through a cable 95 wound on the drum 43, the cable having a tension device 96 so that the cable wil automatically pay off as the automotive nachine recedesfrom, and will automaticah ly wind up as the automotive machine ap proaches the control device.

In Fig. 9 the traction means are indicated diagrammatically and are marked, respectively, by reference numerals 100 and 101, and may be regarded as caterpillar treads such as are shown and described in my hereinbeforementioned copending application. The driving motor 102 may be re arded as corresponding to the driving motor in said application, and the circuit wires therefor as 103, connected up with the ring 91, and 104, which is grounded on the frame, both in the usual or any proper manner.

The solenoids 105 and 106 effect or control the forward drive of the left-hand tread 100 and the right-hand tread 101, respectively. Solenoid 107 controls the backward travel of the left-hand tread 100 and solenoid 108 controls the backward travel of the right-hand tread 101.

Solenoid 109 operates the shovel either upwardly or downwardly and solenoid 110 operates the shovel in the reverse direction. Solenoid 111 operates the pusher blade in one direction and solenoid 112 operates the pusher blade in the opposite direction.

The circuit wires from all these solenoids are gathered into a cable 95, which is the cable wound upon and unwound from the drum 43 as already described. The wires pass from the inner end of the cable and are connected to the respective contact rings on the drum 43 in proper order, as shown in Fig. 2. Wire 104 may be used the common return wire.

The various circuits will be selectively energized by the operation of the handles 1 and 60 as already described, and the details oi operation of the automotive machine need not be given herein, as they are fully shown and described in said copending application.

The illustrated and described circuit controlling mechanism operates in the embodied application in substantially the following manner If the right-hand mechanism of Fig. 1 be moved to the position of Fig. i; that is, if the handle 1 be rocked on shaft 5 to the left in Fig. 3, the automotive machine wili move forward. If this right-hand mechanism of Fig. '1 be moved to the position of 5; that is, if the handle 1 be rocked on shaft 5 in the opposite direction, the automotive mechanism will move backward. It the right-hand mechanism of Fig. 1 be moved to the position of Fig. 6; that is, it handle 1 remains in the position of Fig. 3, but be turned on its supporting pin '3 in the clocl'c wise direction, the automotive machine will wheel sharply to the right as the traction means on the left-hand side will be driven ahead and the traction means on the righthand side will be driven backwardly.

It the right-hand mechanism in Fig. 1 be moved to the position of Fig. 7; that is, the handle 1 remains'upright, but be turned on its pin 3 in the counter-clockwise direction, the automotive machine will wheel sharply to the left, as the right-hand traction means will be moved forwardly and the left-hand traction means will be moved backwardly. If the handle 1 be turned or twisted slightly in one direction or the other on pin 3 and then be rocked about shaft 5 it will selectively close one circuit only of the tour, as desired as shown in Fig. 8. In the specific case, this would drive the left-hand traction device backwardly while leaving the right-hand traction device at rest.

In the described application of the present invention, the left-hand circuit control mechanism shown in Fig. 1 will be used to raise and lower the shovel and to operate the pusher blade, either separately or simultaneously, according to the manner in which the circuits are made, and further detailed description thereof will not be necessary.

By way of a summary: The four contact terminals 30, 28, 29 and31 may be considered as arranged substantially at the corners of a rectangle.

It will be apparent that the switch arm will close circuits in pairs through the contact terminals 30, 28, 29 and 31 in four diii'erent combinations, as follows: 30 and 28; 29 and 31; 30 and 29; 28 and 31. Or, more concisely, if the contact terminals are considered to be at the corners A B C D of a rectangle lettered in regular order, the switch arm will close circuits in pairs through the terminals in pairs in four difterentcombinations, as follows AB CD AC; BD.

By the present invention,-the movements of the automotive machine inany direction are controlled entirely by a single handle, and the operations of the shovel are all likewise controlled by the other handle. Furthermore, the construction and arrangement is such that the circuits can be closed only in such a way as to effect operation or functions which harmonize, and to prevent an opposite fool-proof condition, so that the device is for both itself and the controlled machine. r

The term rectangle as used in the :claims means any four-sided figure.

I The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific mechanisms shown and described but departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the accompanying claims without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What I claim is:

1. A manually operated circuit control comprising a supporting rod, a plurality of circuit closing arms loosely mounted on said rod, and a handle loosely pivoted on said rod and movable about two separate axes andengaging with a plurality of said arms to move them into and out of circuit-closing position.

2. A manually operated circuit control comprising a supporting rod, a'plu'ra'lity of circuit closing arms loosely mounted on said rod, and a handle loosely pivoted on said rod, and having movement also about its own axis, and engagmg With a plurality of said-arms to move them into and out of circuit closing position. 7

A manually operated circuit control comprising a supporting rod, a plurality of circuitclosing arms loosely mounted on said rod, and a handle having movement about its own axis and engaging with a plurality of said arms to move them into and out of circuit-closing position.

4. A selective control for a plurality of circuits comprising a corresponding plurality of terminals, and a manually operated device tor selectively closing said circuits in pairs or for closing the same circuits through the same terminals individually, said device being oscillatable about a plurality of axes.

5. of four contact terminals, and a switch arm and means whereby said arm is movable for closing circuits through the'terminals in pairs in four different combinations.

In a circuit controller, the combination 6. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals connected to one side of a power circuit, and a switch arm connected to the other side of a, power circuit, the switch arm being movable about different axes for closing circuits through the ter- Ininals'in pairs in four difierent combinations.

7 In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals, each connected in a separate circuit and each connected to the same branch of a power circuit, and a movableswitch arm connected to the opposite branch of the power circuit and arranged to closecircuits through the terminals individually or in pairs.

8. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals, and a switch arm mounted to be movable for closing circuits through the individual terminals and for closing circuits through the terminals in pairs in four different combinations.

9. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals connected to one side of a power circuit, and a switch arm connected to the other side of a power circuit, the switch arm being movable about different axes for closing circuits through the individual terminals and for closing circuits through the terminals in pairs in four different combinations.

10. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals arranged substantially in the form of a rectangle, and a switch arm and means whereby said arm is manually movable for closing circuits through said terminals individually or in pairs.

11. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals each controlling a separate circuit and arranged in the form of a rectangle, and connected to one side of a power circuit, and a switch arm, connected to the other side of the power circuit, and movable to close circuits through said terminals individually or in pairs.

12. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals each controlling a separate circuit, and arranged substantially in the form of a rectangle, and a switch arm for closing circuits through the terminals individually, and for closing circuits through the terminals in pairs in four different combinations.

13. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals arranged substantially in the form of a rectangle, and a switch arm for closing circuits through diagonally op'posite terminals and for closing circuits through the pairs of terminals that are located on the same side of one axis of the rectangle.

14. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals arranged substantially in the form of a rectangle, each of the terminals controlling a separate circuit, and a movable switch arm arranged to close circuits through diagonally opposite pairs of terminals, or through pairs of terminals located on the same side of one axis of the rectangle. V

15. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals arranged substantially in the form of a rectangle, each of the terminals controlling a separate circuit, and a movable switch arm for closing circuits through the terminals individually, and for 1 closing circuits through the terminals in pairs in four different combinations.

16. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals, and a switch arm movable about two axes for closing circuits through the terminals in pairs of four different combinations.

17. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals arranged in the form of a rectangle, and a switch arm movable about two axes and located within the rectangle for contacting simultaneously with diagonally opposite terminals, and for contacting simultaneously with pairs of terminals lying on the same side of one of the axes ofthe rectangle.

18. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals, andza switch arm movable about two axes for contacting with the terminals individually, or in pairs in four different combinations.

19. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals arranged in the form of a rectangle, and a switch arm movable about two axes and located within the rectangle for contacting with the terminals individually, or with diagonally opposite terminals, and for contacting with pairs of terminals lying on the same side of one of the axes of the rectangle.

20. In a circuit controller, the combination of two contact terminals each adapted to control a separate load circuit, and a switch arm mounted to be movable into individual engagement with either terminal for closing the load circuits separately, and also movable into simultaneous engagement with both terminals for closing the load circuits simultaneously.

of three terminals each adapted to control a separate circuit, and a switch arm mounted to be movable into individual engagement with each terminal for closing a circuit therethrough, the switch arm being movable to close simultaneously circuits in pairs in two different combinations. I

22. In a circuit controller, the combination of four'contact terminals each adapted to control a separate circuit, and a switch arm mounted to be movable into individual engagement with'each terminal for closing a circuit therethrough, the switch arm being also movable into engagement with pairs of terminals in two difi'erent combinations.

21. In a circuit controller, the combination arm mounted to 23'. In acircuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals each adapted to control a separate circuit, and a switch arm mounted to be movable into individual engagement with each terminal for closing a circuit therethrough, the switch arm being also movable into engagement with pairs of terminals in three different combinations.

24. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals each adapted to contion of four contact terminals each adapted to control a separate circuit, a switch arm and means whereby said arm is movable into simultaneous engagement with two contact terminals for simultaneously closing two circuits at a time in, four different combinations.

27. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals arranged substantially-in the form of arectangle, the corners of which, considered in regular order, are

A B 'C D;'and a switch arm mounted for manual movement in a plurality of directions to close circuits-simultaneously in pairs through the contact terminals in the following combinations: AB; CD; AG; BD.

28. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals, each controlling a separate load circuit, arranged substantially in the form of a rectangle, the corners of. which, considered in regular order, are

-' A B C D; and a switch arm and means whereby said arm is mounted to be movableabout two different axes, for closing circuits in pairs through said terminals, in the follow ing combinations: AB; CD; AC; BI).-

29'. In a circuit controller, the combination of four contact terminals, each controlling a separate load circuit, arranged substantially in the form of a rectangle, the corners of which, considered in regular order, are A B G D", and a switch arm mounted to be movable about two different axes for closing circuits through A B G or D individually orfor closing circuits in pairs through said terminals, in the :Eollowin-g combinations: AB;

on; no; 281).

30. In a circuit controller the combination of, three sets of contact terminals, and a switch arm mounted to be movable in 'apln rality of planes whereby the operator can optionally close anyset of contacts individually and by additional movement can optionally close two sets of contacts in two different combinations.

'31. In a circuit controller the combination of four sets of contact terminals, and a switch arm mounted to be movable in a plurality of directions whereby the operator can optionally close any set of contacts individually and by additional movement can optionally close three sets of contacts in pair's in three difleren't "combinations.

32. In a circuit controller the combination of four sets of contact terminals, and a switch arm mounted to be movable in a plurality of planes whereby the operator can optionally close any set of contacts individually and by additional movement can optionally close three sets of contacts in pairs in three different combinations;

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

KENNETH DAVIS. 

